Overview
Microsoft’s United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) team operates within an international setting, fostering partnerships across multilateral organizations to explore how technology can offer innovative solutions to global challenges. Your passion and expertise in policy issues at the intersection of technology and society will be invaluable as you engage with organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), World Economic Forum (WEF), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The UNIO team serves as a platform for Microsoft to engage with the United Nations, International Organizations, and the global policy debate. As the head of the UNIO Geneva office, you will lead our engagement efforts by building connections and representing the company at high levels, engaging substantively in policy processes and partnerships.
As a Senior Director in Geneva, you will direct the company's engagement with the United Nations and other International Organizations, alongside permanent missions, focusing on policy issues that promote the adoption of AI and digital technology. Your role will also involve engaging in technology policy initiatives relating to data governance and privacy, digital security, digital safety, digital inclusion, and responsible AI.
You will devise and implement strategies to engage policymakers worldwide while establishing partnerships with stakeholders from governments, civil society, and the private sector. Collaborative work with teams across Microsoft will be essential, enabling others to contribute and significantly impact the global agenda. This position offers an opportunity to highlight your understanding of global policy, your advocacy and communication prowess, and your ability to engage with diverse partners within and beyond Microsoft.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, and we remain dedicated to this mission across all facets of our company. Our culture embraces a growth mindset, encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best every day.
Responsibilities
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People Management: As an experienced manager of a Government Affairs team, you will drive success through empowerment and accountability. By modeling, coaching, and caring, you will embody our culture and values.
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Strategy/Program Management: You will provide strategic vision and leadership to develop and execute top-priority program frameworks aimed at achieving policy goals. This will involve working in international processes, advocating for and managing policy issues, and leading the company’s engagement with senior stakeholders in both developed and developing countries on priority issues and strategies.
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Subject Matter Expertise and Influence: With a background in government affairs and AI and digital tech policy, you will build relationships with key influencers to apply intelligence findings through a network of senior executives and external stakeholders regarding strategic or sensitive issues impacting Microsoft’s long-term objectives.
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Representing Microsoft: Your participation in internal and external events will be crucial. You will also drive social media engagement on key issues and support executive engagement during senior executive visits to Geneva and their participation in international events.
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External Relationships: You will spearhead efforts to form strategic partnerships and coalitions with thought leaders at the UN and other International Organizations, creating multistakeholder approaches that align with Microsoft's policy priorities.
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Internal Collaboration: You will work closely with, and influence, senior-level internal stakeholders and subject matter experts across Microsoft to ensure mutual understanding and alignment of objectives, priorities, and resources.
Required Qualifications
- Extensive experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, and tech policy.
- Direct experience working with developing country governments.
- Experience in a UN environment with senior officials and international stakeholders (government authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector).
- Broad understanding of policy issues related to AI, Data Governance, Privacy, and Human Rights, having been involved in policy formulation at national and/or multilateral levels.
- Firsthand experience in the tech sector, including managing and delivering public events for senior executives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Firsthand experience working in the UN or other International Organizations, including external representation in multilateral or multistakeholder policy processes.
- Established relationships in Geneva, with personal standing in relevant ongoing processes on digital policy.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities.
- Proven people management experience.
This role requires proficiency in written, reading, and conversational English.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.